It was ushered in Thursday when one of the greatest defenceman and hockey players in National Hockey League history announced his retirement.

"'Today after 20 years as a player with the Detroit Red Wings, I am announcing my retirement," said Red Wings defenceman and captain Nicklas Lidstrom.

". . . It's been a great, great ride."

Those words marked the end of a glorious era for the Red Wings, an era led by the popular Swede, and started another era that's hopeful but not without some uncertainty.

A packed room at Joe Louis Arena was just as packed emotionally.

Speculation in Lidstrom's future began during the season. There was hope Lidstrom would ignore his 42-years of age and decide to return another year.

But performing at less than 100% is not how Lidstrom works.

"It's not that the tank is completely empty, it just doesn't have enough to carry me through every day at the high level I want to play at," Lidstrom said. "Retiring today allows me to walk away from the game with pride, rather than have the game walk away from me."

It was a difficult decision for Lidstrom. Once he made it, there was no looking back.

"The last two years I waited until after the season was over to assess my ability to play another year," Lidstrom said. "Sadly this year it's painfully obvious to me that my strength and energy level are not rebounding enough for me to continue to play. My drive and motivation and not where they need to be to play at this level.

"I am aware that some people think my skills have only diminished some and I can still help the Wings to win games. I appreciate their support."

Ken Holland, Red Wings vice-president and general manager, was one of them.

"I feel very comfortable with my decision," Lidstrom said. "Ken and I talked about it a couple of weeks ago. He told me 'take the long weekend to think about it.' I got back to him a couple of days later and told him my decision was the same."

TV stations and newspapers from Sweden attended the news conference.

Lidstrom's voice cracked several times but he managed to hold it together while teammates looked on, recognizing the significance of the announcement. It will be probably the most documented move of the off-season but it will by no means be the last.

But this day belonged to one of the classiest and best-liked players ever to have put on a hockey uniform.

"I didn't want to cheat anyone," he said.

His wife Annika and three of his four sons were present at the press conference.

"This is the day I've been dreading since 1997," said Red Wings' vice-president and general manager Ken Holland.

Red Wings owner Mike Illitch called him the Wings "Rock of Gibraltar."

Chris Chelios, former Red Wing and now a member of the Red Wings organization says there was no greater athlete than Lidstrom.

"You think of MJ (Michael Jordan,) (Wayne) Gretzky," said Chelios. "None of them are better than Nick. They may be right up there but none of them are better."

As Lidstrom fulfilled every interview request, he faced the usual "what-if" questions. What if he decided to come back after half a season? What if the Winter Classic featuring the Red Wings proved too strong an attraction? What if, like many retired athletes, he felt the lure of the spotlight?

To all those suggestions he responded the same way.

"My family and I are completely comfortable with the decision," he said. "Annika told me if I wanted to play another year, we could make it work. But I feel comfortable with the decision I've made."

Lidstrom said he would still like to be a part of the Red Wings' organization and he's spoken briefly with Holland about that possibility and no doubt it will happen.

But when his kids finish school here, Lidstrom and his family will move back to Sweden.

With the announcement came the usual speculation of how the Wings would fill Lidstrom's spot.

The Wings already had ample salary-cap space, and Lidstrom's departure will give them $6.2 million more. They are expected to pursue the Nashville Predators' Ryan Suter, a pending unrestricted free agent, among others.

Whatever . . . none of that seemed to matter Thursday.

It's going to take a while to adjust and figure out how to deal with life after Lidstrom.

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TOP FIVE DEFENCE

The top defenceman in history will be a source of debate. Here's Morris's top five. Go ahead and debate.

BOBBY ORR

Changed how the game was played.

He was electrifying. The only issue was his longevity. He won a Calder Trophy, eight consecutive Norris Trophies and two Conn Smythe Awards along with two Stanley Cups.

NICKLAS LIDSTROM

He played 20 years for one club and was dominant in at both ends of the rink. Lidstrom talent, longevity and durability make him one of the best. He is a four-time Stanley Cup champion and seven-time Norris Trophy winner.

DOUG HARVEY

Harvey was the first great offensive defenseman beginning his career in 1947. He won seven Norris trophies in a span of eight seasons. He won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens.

RAY BOURQUE

He finally won a Stanley Cup after 23 years. Bourque scored 410 goals and had 1169 assists. He made 19 consecutive all-star appearances and won five Norris trophies.

LARRY ROBINSON

"Big Bird" was known for his offensive ability but his long reach made him devastating defensively. He was a plus-730 during his 20 year career. He won two Norris trophies and six Stanley Cups.

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WHO'S NEXT?

The early favourite as the next captain of the Detroit Red Wings is Henrik Zetterberg.

Three hockey reporters in Detroit - Bob Wojnowski of the News, Helene St. James of the Free Press and Dan Fenner of the Oakland Press - all figure Zetterberg is a shoo-in to replace the retiring Nicklas Lidstrom as captain. The Wings have had only two captains over the last 26 years - Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman.

Zetterberg - like Lidstrom, a native of Sweden - has been with the Wings since 2002. The 31-year-old left winger has 252 goals and 372 assists in 668 games with Detroit.